Luke 9:23

Luke 9:23 Context

20He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. 21And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. 23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Bible commentary

Wesley's Notes for Luke 9:23

9:23 Let him deny himself, and take up his cross - The necessity of this duty has been shown in many places: the extent of it is specified here, daily - Therefore that day is lost wherein no cross is taken up.

This text tell me that I must deny the world that is the flesh/worldly possessions and follow Jesus(the church).To take up your cross is to adhere to your responsibilities as a house priest. To lead your family in righteousness and to do the will of God. Stay within the rules and regulations of your church which is their to protect you.

I believe that this verse has not yet been fully understood. To say come after me, and then say follow me is redundant. After much meditation and prayer about this particular scripture, it was revealed to me by the Holy Spirit, that what our Lord is saying is "if any man will be my successor in the earth, let him deny himself and live as I lived".

I think of this scripure is to not to think of yourself anymore than you used to,living the life with JESUS TAKING UP THE CROSS is letting GOD know that you really need him,and that you are ready to live the life that he has given you proving yourself that you can do all things through Christ that strengthen you.